Which place is cheaper, Balaton Lake or Copenhagen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Copenhagen or Balaton Lake?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copenhagen and Balaton Lake can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Copenhagen or Balaton Lake?
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark. It has a small town vibe but is still a cosmopolitan city with lots of shopping, culture, and nightlife. It's a very safe and comfortable city that is easy to explore on foot. Copenhagen is the birthplace of many old fairytales, but also has modern, world class architecture and a liberal vibe. The people of Copenhagen are diverse and international. Most residents are Danes, but some come from Germany and Sweden and there are also many Middle Eastern immigrants.
Balaton Lake
Balaton is a major freshwater lake in Hungary and the largest lake in Central Europe with a shoreline of 197 kilometers. The region around the lake is a popular holiday destination with a great number of resort towns and high-rise hotels to accommodate visitors seeking out lakeside activities, beaches, volcanic hills, and vineyards. Some of the towns are also very historic, offering examples from eighteenth-century art and architecture to castle ruins.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.
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Copenhagen Prices
Denmark PricesBalaton Lake Prices
Hungary Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCopenhagen $278Balaton Lake $117
The average daily cost (per person) in Copenhagen is $278, while the average daily cost in Balaton Lake is $117. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Copenhagen and Balaton Lake in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCopenhagen $99Balaton Lake $53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCopenhagen $198Balaton Lake $106
Compare Hotels in Copenhagen and Balaton Lake
Looking for a hotel in Copenhagen or Balaton Lake? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Copenhagen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Copenhagen $79Balaton Lake $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Copenhagen
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Copenhagen:
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Bicycle Renting$68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Copenhagen
Also for Copenhagen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer to/from Airport and City: $114
- Private Transfer to/from Copenhagen Airport CPH: $126
- Copenhagen Airport Transfer Service | English Speaking: $135
- Private Transfer Airport To/From Cruise Port: $173
- Private Transfer to Copenhagen Port: $274
Is it cheaper to fly into Copenhagen or Balaton Lake?
Prices for flights to both Balaton Lake and Copenhagen change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayCopenhagen $116Balaton Lake $52
Typical Food Prices in Copenhagen
For Copenhagen, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Hot Dogs$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Copenhagen
For Copenhagen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $38
- The Nørrebro Street Art & Food Tour: $55
- Copenhagen : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $105
- Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Danish Classics: $124
- Copenhagen Cooking Class: Nordic Cooking Class with Open Bar: $125
- Modern City Food Tour: $149
- E-Bike Guided Food Tour with 3 stops: $157
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Copenhagen $34Balaton Lake $23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Copenhagen
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Copenhagen's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Boat Tour$9.44
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Coffee$15
Tours and Activities in Copenhagen
For Copenhagen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Copenhagen Zoo Tower Entry Ticket: $3.93
- Danish Architecture Center Entrance Ticket: $9.44
- THE TUBE Copenhagen Entrance Ticket: $15
- Danish Jewish Museum Entry Ticket: $16
- Danish War Museum Entry Ticket: $17
- Group Walking Tour - City Highlights - 2 Hours: $19
- The Museum of Danish Resistance Entrance Ticket: $19
- Amalienborg Palace Museum Entry Ticket: $20
- Rosenborg Castle Entry Ticket: $22
- ENIGMA Museum Day Ticket: $22
- National Museum of Denmark Entry Ticket: $22
- The Royal Danish Theatre Guided Tour: $24
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCopenhagen $15Balaton Lake $9.70
Sample the Local Flavors in Copenhagen
Also in Copenhagen, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Guided Party Pub Crawl with 4 Shots and 1 Drink: $47
- Private Wine Tasting Boat Tour: $189
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Copenhagen and Balaton Lake, we can see that Copenhagen is more expensive. And not only is Balaton Lake much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Balaton Lake would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Balaton Lake and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen than you might in Balaton Lake.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Copenhagen Expensive? and Is Balaton Lake Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Balaton Lake?
Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 560 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen and Balaton Lake, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Copenhagen or Balaton Lake?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Copenhagen or Balaton Lake in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Balaton Lake. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Copenhagen is cooler than Balaton Lake. Typically, the summer temperatures in Copenhagen in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Balaton Lake averages at about 22°C (71°F).
Copenhagen usually gets more rain in July than Balaton Lake. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCopenhagen 17°C (63°F)Balaton Lake 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Copenhagen or Balaton Lake in the Autumn?
Both Balaton Lake and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Copenhagen is generally cooler than Balaton Lake. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 10°C (50°F), and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In October, Copenhagen usually receives more rain than Balaton Lake. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCopenhagen 10°C (50°F)Balaton Lake 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Copenhagen or Balaton Lake in the Winter?
Both Balaton Lake and Copenhagen during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Balaton Lake in the winter. The weather in Copenhagen can be very cold. Copenhagen is much warmer than Balaton Lake in the winter. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 0°C (32°F).
Copenhagen usually gets more rain in January than Balaton Lake. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCopenhagen 1°C (33°F)Balaton Lake 0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Copenhagen or Balaton Lake in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Balaton Lake. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year.
In the spring, Copenhagen is much colder than Balaton Lake. Typically, the spring temperatures in Copenhagen in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Balaton Lake averages at about 12°C (54°F).
In April, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Balaton Lake. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCopenhagen 7°C (45°F)Balaton Lake 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Balaton Lake and Copenhagen
| Copenhagen | Balaton Lake | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (33°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (33°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | 3°C (37°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (50°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (36°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.